Does this suggest that maintenance may be easier than it is for some?

I'm hoping it won't be TOO much of a battle... Hugs, Lea

Lea, If I eat "intuitively" and not really pay a damn bit of attention - no obsessions - no calorie counting - just going with the flow of my stomach capacity (and the fact that I do need to watch for hypoglycemia) I maintain my weight where I am.  According to logging at random intervals - I seem to follow a 1200-1600 calorie intake, with days that shoot up to about 2000 calories every so often.  This is maintaining me at a "sedentary" lifestyle at 165-169 lbs for the most part of the last three years (minus a few months while preggers when I got extra fat)  It seems easy enough, and if I didn't mind this size, I would just keep it up, but I am just not comfy at this size. Problem is - I don't lose an ounce until I drop to starvation levels of calories.  *thumbsup*  So, Beth is not successful at starving.  I don't think that's a bad thing.

I have to stay at or below 1200 to 1300 in order to lose ANYthing now.  I was losing 4 to 6 pounds per month at 1200 for a very long time...  Then, suddenly stopped (as Mercedes mentioned--the less you weigh, the less your BMR) losing at all it seemed.  So, I maintain with even as much as the occasional 2000 calorie day.  But, I have to go lower than 1300 per day to lose even a tenth of a pound every couple days.  Sucks I tell ya!  LOL  But, like you, dropping to even 600 to 800 doesn't mean losing more!  Lea

Congratulations Lea!!!! I am four years and 3 months post op (Lap RNY).  I don't count calories.....I try to be aware of my daily H20, fiber, calcium and protein intake.  I'm not tempted with carbs, I do not drink carbonated beverage or eat rice and bread!   If you had told me four years ago that I could live without bread I would have said, "Liar, Liar"  but, I have.  I don't miss it, either.  It's amazing. Best wishes.  I know you will get to your onederland and goal.  luvitsunny

I didn't drink carbonated stuff before surgery, so am not tempted by it now.  I eat maybe 3 pieces of bread per month and it is usually the rare occasions when I'm out and opt for a burger (eat quarter to half of the bun) or when I cave in to my peanut butter sandwich craving and have a single slice of good whole wheat bread with my peanut butter.  I make sure to get in my protein, so that doesn't leave tons of wiggle room to load up on carbs.  I very, very rarely eat rice or pasta and when I do eat pasta, it is only the whole wheat Barilla Plus pasta and only about once a month...  All of those work in my favor I know!  I get over 100 ozs of liquids EVERY day.  I take my calcium and vitamins EVERY day...  Some things count!  Lea

It sounds like we are on the same page!  Maintenance is easier for me with the defined boundaries.